FBI circulates posters in British Columbia in ongoing search for New England mob boss Bulger

FBI searches for New England mob boss in Canada

BOSTON — The search for fugitive New England mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger has ventured into western Canada.

The FBI said Tuesday authorities circulated wanted posters of Bulger, 80, and his girlfriend, 59-year-old Catherine Greig, around Victoria, British Columbia, last week. It’s part of an ongoing worldwide campaign to locate the notorious South Boston gangster who fled just before he was indicted on federal racketeering charges in January 1995.

Jordan Minter of Russell Books in Victoria said three men from the FBI arrived at his store a week ago. They showed him a wanted poster for Bulger.

“I got the impression they thought this person was in town and living among us,” Minter said. “They must have a tip that’s leading them.”

Staff at other bookstores confirmed FBI visits but were reluctant to discuss them.

Boston FBI spokeswoman Gail Marcinkiewicz said the agency has no specific information linking Bulger to Victoria. Officials are warning people to stay away from Bulger, who is known to carry a knife.

“He’s very likable but he has a violent temper,” said Marcinkiewicz. “He has a very distinct Boston accent.”

Bulger, a former FBI informant, is charged in connection with 19 murders and is on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted” list with a $2 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

The last confirmed Bulger sighting was in London in 2002.